wlos Archives - Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina

Read the original article and watch the video on the WLOS ABC13 News website.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A woman is charged with murder after a person was found dead at a Rutherford County home last year.

MUG SHOT – Kathryn Diane Morrison was arrested May 19, 2026, on second-degree murder and death by distribution charges in Rutherford County, North Carolina. (Photo: Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office)

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said Kathryn Diane Morrison was arrested May 19, 2026, on second-degree murder and death by distribution charges.

On Nov. 20, 2025, deputies were called to a home on Windy Hill Drive regarding a cardiac arrest. The sheriff’s office said Pauline Shumpert Scott was found dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, the sheriff’s office said a grand jury indicted Morrison on the charges May 11, 2026.

Morrison appeared in court May 20 and received a $500,000 secured bond.

Read the original article on the ABC13 website.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — After receiving autopsy results from a death that reportedly happened in March and after consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office detectives have charged a man with death by distribution.

According to a news release, Chad Ledbetter was identified as a suspect after a person was found deceased on March 29 at a residence on Ozzie Drive in Bostic. The autopsy report, which was received by investigators on Sept. 29, determined the cause of death to be fentanyl overdose.

After conducting interviews, reviewing evidence, and consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained warrants on Oct. 3 for death by distribution and sell or deliver a controlled substance, the release said.

On that same day, detectives with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Spindale Police Department and Road Patrol Deputies arrested Ledbetter on Hamilton Street in Spindale.

Ledbetter was given a $250,000 secured bond.